Books for budding artists and writers

Inspire your budding artist, poet or author to put pen (or crayon) to paper with our selection of books, picked to help young imaginations take shape. Our creative writing titles are brilliant for inspiring children to switch off the screens and write for pleasure.
You might also be interested in Christopher Edge's top tips for creative writing at Christmas >

Books for ages 0–4

Tim Hopgood
Based on the classic song, this beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for bed-time. Follow one child's dream-like journey along the magical Moon River. Contains a sing-along CD with song by Andy Williams and an exclusive reading with page-turn signals.Find out more >

Brian Wildsmith
The nativity story retold through the eyes of a little girl as she travels to Bethlehem, this classic tale from one of our most internationally acclaimed picture-book writers and artists has deservedly become an enduring favourite with children at Christmas time. Now beautifully presented in a cloth-bound special edition, ideal for sharing during the festive season.Find out more >

Brian Wildsmith
The classic Christmas song is made truly magical in the masterful hands of acclaimed illustrator, Brian Wildsmith. This beautifully illustrated book is a delight to share at Christmas time.Find out more >

Richard Smith, Felix Bernard, Tim Hopgood
Who could fail to feel festive listening to Walking in a Winter Wonderland whilst sharing a gorgeous picture book?
Peggy Lee’s iconic song is brought to life by Tim Hopgood's lavish illustrations, with winter scenery, dancing snowflakes, and beautiful animals to spot on every page. This is an enchanting book and CD perfect for sharing at the most wonderful time of the year.Find out more >

Michelle Robinson, Irene Dickson
When Daisy draws a little mouse named Pipsqueak, he comes to life and leads her on the most magical adventure. Celebrating the imagination and encouraging creative play, Daisy Doodles will be a big hit with children who love drawing and making things.Find out more >Activity:Daisy Doodles colouring and counting sheet [PDF]

Akala, Sav Akyuz
A new picture book series from the MOBO award-winning hip hop artist Akala, bursting with brightly coloured artwork from acclaimed illustrator Sav. Hip, a wise hippo, and Hop, his energetic bird friend, are taking part in the Blueberry Hill bike race. Hop struggles at first, but with help from Hip, they learn that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it! Part prose, part rap, this book is packed full of rhyme and rhythm.Find out more >

Jon Burgerman
Once upon a time, a thief committed a crime. Everything he stole was replaced with a RHYME! Will the rhyme thief ever be brought to justice? Can you solve the mysterious ending? Packed with the silliest of rhymes and wordplay, this original, hilarious, and interactive tale will have the youngest children in fits of giggles!Find out more >

Books for ages 5+

Alan Snow
A wonderfully original and stunningly-illustrated picture book. The story of one young crow's wish to be the fastest bird on earth – with incredibly detailed artwork, and real engineering facts – this is a fantastic introduction to how cars work, perfect for any budding young engineer.Find out more >

John Foster
This poetry collection for 5-year olds comprises 35 fun, accessible poems to read together at home. Featuring a fantastic range of children's poets with full-colour illustrations, this book will help children develop an understanding of poetry and fan their love of reading.Find out more >Also available:Oxford Poetry for 6 Year OldsAlso available:Oxford Poetry for 7 Year Olds

Christopher Edge
From how to overcome writer’s block to what words to use to best effect, How to Write your Best Story Ever! is designed to help all children unlock their story ideas and write their own best ever stories. Packed with entertaining illustrations that will inspire new writer, this book is filled with tips on how to write in particular genres, create exciting characters, and write powerful sentences using metaphors, similes, and idioms.
Find out more >More from Oxford Owl:Creative writing activities page

Michael Harrison
This is a lovely anthology of poems for the whole Christmas season. Find traditional carols and songs, and modern poems about children's experiences of Christmas: food and families, presents and celebrations, snow and ice. The collection is both reflective and joyful and includes contributions from Eleanor Farjeon, Roger McGough, Judith Nicholls, U.A. Fanthorpe and Gareth Owen, among many others. With beautiful colour illustrations throughout, this collection makes a perfect gift at Christmas.Find out more >

Books for ages 9+

Christopher Edge
This book will help children learn to craft brilliant stories, create believable characters, write powerful endings and much more. Packed with practical tips and insider advice from published authors, this guide opens up the secrets of how to write well and guides young writers all the way through from beating the fear of the blank page and learning to edit their work, to how to get other people reading their stories.
Find out more >More from Oxford Owl:Creative writing activities page